ISSUE:

Certain 1996 model year F-150-350 Series, Bronco, Explorer, Econoline and 1997 F-150 vehicles built from 8/1/95 through 2/11/96 may have been built with bumpers that contain sub-standard chrome. The chrome on the front bumpers may crack very prematurely. The cracks may look like scratches on the top of the bumpers or lines around the vent holes or fog lamp openings (Figure 1). These lines and other conditions will allow the bumper to rust. All bumpers with this condition will rust within 18 months of production.

ACTION:

Replace the front bumpers with revised bumpers. The revised bumpers have a more robust chrome coating and should prevent the bumper surface from premature rust. Refer to the following text for service details.

Replace any bumpers that exhibit hairline cracking on the flat surfaces as shown in the following Figures. Refer to the appropriate Service/Workshop Manual for bumper removal and replacement procedures.

MAINTENANCE

All vehicles require some amount of maintenance. The same is true for bright metal finish chrome bumpers. These components must be cleaned and polished to keep their bright appearance. The front and top surface of the bumper is chrome plated and the back of the bumper is sprayed with a rust deterrent compound. If the compound is thin or scraped off, the bumper back may rust. The compound may be removed by the clamping force of the bumper attaching bolts. This may result in oxidation that could bleed around to the front of the bumper when wet and possibly stain the bumper. Periodic maintenance to remove rust is required.

Ford Motor Company recommends the use of Ford Bright Metal Cleaner and Polish to maintain the appearance of these bumpers. There are other products that may also be used to maintain the bumper’s finish that may or may not have been tested by Ford Motor Company.